July 16, 1935 – January 1, 2022
Robert “Bob” Joseph Baxter of Phoenix passed quietly in his sleep on Saturday, January 1, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 86 years-old.
Born in Smithton, Missouri, on July 16, 1935, to Walter and Kathryn Baxter, he was the oldest of two sons. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri and a licensed pilot, he had a life-long passion for education, business and music. After moving to Phoenix more than 50 years ago, Bob became very involved in his community, serving as an officer in several government and civic-minded organizations, including the Arizona Silver Haired Legislators, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. After retirement, he served as president of the Arizona State Retired Employees Association.
With a penchant for ancestry and history, Bob was a member of the National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons, Arizona Division, as well as the Sons of the American Revolution and the Phoenix Corral of Westerners, in addition to other groups. An active member of the Republican Party, Bob also served eight years in the National Guard.
Among his close and dear friends, he will be remembered for his love of horses and roses, his generosity, easy-going demeanor and ability to make friends with everyone he met. He is survived by his brother, Ralph (Mary) Baxter of Olathe, Kansas, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa on Friday, January 28, at 12:30 p.m. We love you, Bob, and will carry you in our hearts always.
